Comments on: My father is dead at 47 http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/ Andrew Phelps is a staff writer for the Nieman Journalism Lab at Harvard University. Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:28:30 -0500 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: bethemounce http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/comment-page-1/#comment-2025 bethemounce Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:07:03 +0000 http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/#comment-2025 I am so so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. I went to high school with him in Naples, Italy (class of 1975); he was quite the runner as a teenager. We all have very fond memories of that boy! Godspeed Richard. And to his family--he turned out to be everything he was as a boy, he was so well liked and respected. The grief must be overwhelming and unimaginable. I cannot imagine the sadness and sense of numbness and shock. I am so so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. I went to high school with him in Naples, Italy (class of 1975); he was quite the runner as a teenager. We all have very fond memories of that boy! Godspeed Richard. And to his family–he turned out to be everything he was as a boy, he was so well liked and respected. The grief must be overwhelming and unimaginable. I cannot imagine the sadness and sense of numbness and shock.

]]> By: the toulon family http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/comment-page-1/#comment-2024 the toulon family Sun, 04 Oct 2009 03:28:31 +0000 http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/#comment-2024 <p>to the phelps family - </p><br /><br /><p>we are deeply saddened by your terrible loss, we can only hope and pray that your family is given the incredible strength needed to get through this trying time. we are ready as a family to help in any way possible.</p><br /><br /><p>God bless you,</p><br /><br /><p>the toulon family</p> to the phelps family –

we are deeply saddened by your terrible loss, we can only hope and pray that your family is given the incredible strength needed to get through this trying time. we are ready as a family to help in any way possible.

God bless you,

the toulon family

]]> By: Jillian Wrolstad http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/comment-page-1/#comment-2023 Jillian Wrolstad Tue, 14 Feb 2006 19:26:16 +0000 http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/#comment-2023 Andrew- I know that this happened a while ago....and I know I haven't talked to you in even longer.....but I just came across your website and started reading and it captivated me. You are an amazing writer, but even more, an amazing person. You have an incredible outlook on life. You are a very strong, good person. I am so sorry for your loss, and I hope you continue to become stronger every day. Andrew-
I know that this happened a while ago….and I know I haven’t talked to you in even longer…..but I just came across your website and started reading and it captivated me. You are an amazing writer, but even more, an amazing person. You have an incredible outlook on life. You are a very strong, good person. I am so sorry for your loss, and I hope you continue to become stronger every day.

]]> By: Gabriel http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/comment-page-1/#comment-2022 Gabriel Mon, 19 Dec 2005 08:34:00 +0000 http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/#comment-2022 Dear All , I am Gabriel , I never met You and I never met your dad either - I don't know how I ended up on your website BUT . . . I 've started reading most of what's in here and I am very touched . . . What a Guy your father must have been . . . God Bless You . . . Truly Gabriel Parisi Dear All ,
I am Gabriel , I never met You and I never met your dad either -
I don’t know how I ended up on your website BUT . . .
I ‘ve started reading most of what’s in here and I am very touched . . .
What a Guy your father must have been . . .
God Bless You . . .
Truly
Gabriel Parisi

]]> By: Paul Bustos http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/comment-page-1/#comment-2021 Paul Bustos Mon, 17 Jan 2005 02:15:23 +0000 http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/#comment-2021 Andrew, I just recently learned about your father's death. I knew Rich is business and met with him as recently as June, 2004. I was shocked to hear of his passing. Rich helped me pick a paint for our product line when he was with Ellis. We still use that paint today. He also golfed with me as my playing partner on two occasions at my company golf tournament. I have a picture of him and I at the tournament. I know Rich was very proud of you. He talked of you often. Your father was a good man and a very honest man...that's not something you can find in common with people in business. I saw the memorial video...it's great. My prayers are with you Andrew. Take heart in what I say. Your father is with God!!! Andrew, I just recently learned about your father’s death. I knew Rich is business and met with him as recently as June, 2004. I was shocked to hear of his passing. Rich helped me pick a paint for our product line when he was with Ellis. We still use that paint today. He also golfed with me as my playing partner on two occasions at my company golf tournament. I have a picture of him and I at the tournament. I know Rich was very proud of you. He talked of you often. Your father was a good man and a very honest man…that’s not something you can find in common with people in business. I saw the memorial video…it’s great. My prayers are with you Andrew. Take heart in what I say. Your father is with God!!!

]]> By: Julie http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/comment-page-1/#comment-2020 Julie Sat, 13 Nov 2004 23:48:55 +0000 http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/#comment-2020 Browsing sites from San Diego Bloggers and I ran across yours. I am so very sorry about your father. I bet he was a wonderful man and here, you've created such a beautiful tribute to him. Browsing sites from San Diego Bloggers and I ran across yours. I am so very sorry about your father. I bet he was a wonderful man and here, you’ve created such a beautiful tribute to him.

]]> By: Courtney Faye http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/comment-page-1/#comment-2019 Courtney Faye Sat, 02 Oct 2004 02:21:13 +0000 http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/#comment-2019 I laughed so much around Rich. He had a way of making you smile, and always made me feel so comfortable at the Phelps' household. I loved dinners with him, his sense of hummor and the way he lived. The Phelps family means the world to me. My heart is with you. I laughed so much around Rich. He had a way of making you smile, and always made me feel so comfortable at the Phelps’ household. I loved dinners with him, his sense of hummor and the way he lived.
The Phelps family means the world to me. My heart is with you.

]]> By: Courtney Faye http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/comment-page-1/#comment-2018 Courtney Faye Sat, 02 Oct 2004 02:17:56 +0000 http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/#comment-2018 Rich made me laugh. He was very kind and always made me feel welcomed in the Phelps' household. Iloved dinner with him, his incredible sense of humor and how he lived. The Phelps family means the world to me. My heart is with you. Rich made me laugh. He was very kind and always made me feel welcomed in the Phelps’ household. Iloved dinner with him, his incredible sense of humor and how he lived.
The Phelps family means the world to me. My heart is with you.

]]> By: Eric Jaeger http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/comment-page-1/#comment-2017 Eric Jaeger Mon, 27 Sep 2004 05:13:16 +0000 http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/#comment-2017 Andrew, I know it has been a long time since we have spoke, but I just wanted to offer my condolences and I know it wont be easy to cope with a loss like this, so I wish you all the strength. Eric Jaeger Andrew,
I know it has been a long time since we have spoke, but I just wanted to offer my condolences and I know it wont be easy to cope with a loss like this, so I wish you all the strength.
Eric Jaeger

]]> By: Jeff Murico http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/comment-page-1/#comment-2016 Jeff Murico Fri, 17 Sep 2004 19:17:54 +0000 http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/#comment-2016 Andrew, I am so sorry to hear about your father. I never got to know him very well, but from what I hear from my mom, brother, and others, he was quite the honorable man. He was young, but he didn't go without leaving his mark. He left behind 2 sons that i am sure he is very proud of. I hope you are doing ok, and my family offers their condolences. Our thoughts are with you... Jeff Murico Andrew, I am so sorry to hear about your father. I never got to know him very well, but from what I hear from my mom, brother, and others, he was quite the honorable man. He was young, but he didn’t go without leaving his mark. He left behind 2 sons that i am sure he is very proud of. I hope you are doing ok, and my family offers their condolences. Our thoughts are with you…
Jeff Murico

]]> By: anthony riojas http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/comment-page-1/#comment-2015 anthony riojas Fri, 17 Sep 2004 13:55:21 +0000 http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/#comment-2015 david...i'm sooo sorry to hear about ur dad!! that really sux that it happend....i hope that u and ur family do well after this.... david…i’m sooo sorry to hear about ur dad!! that really sux that it happend….i hope that u and ur family do well after this….

]]> By: Cornejo Family http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/comment-page-1/#comment-2014 Cornejo Family Fri, 17 Sep 2004 01:01:03 +0000 http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/#comment-2014 Phelps Family, We are so deeply saddened by your loss. It has been such a pleasure to have known Rich during all the Roadrunner and RBV track meets. In times like these, we are reminded of memorable events, and hope that sharing our memory will bring your family comfort. We remember fondly the excitement in Rich's voice when David won the All-American trophy in Reno. The pride in his eyes was electric as he showed us the Horse statue. But it wasn't just the pride in his son's accomplishments that gleemed in his eyes, but a testament to how great a father's love can be. We hope that these words will help to make sense of this loss... God saw he was tired, and the cure was not to be, so He put his arms around him and whispered , "Rich come to Me" with tearful eyes God watched, as you saw him pass away. Although you loved him dearly, God could not let him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest, God broke your hearts to prove to you, He only takes the best. God Bless the Phelps Family Juan, Carmela, Gabriel, Andrew and Christopher Cornejo Phelps Family,
We are so deeply saddened by your loss. It has been such a pleasure to have known Rich during all the Roadrunner and RBV track meets. In times like these, we are reminded of memorable events, and hope that sharing our memory will bring your family comfort.
We remember fondly the excitement in Rich’s voice when David won the All-American trophy in Reno. The pride in his eyes was electric as he showed us the Horse statue. But it wasn’t just the pride in his son’s accomplishments that gleemed in his eyes, but a testament to how great a father’s love can be.
We hope that these words will help to make sense of this loss…
God saw he was tired,
and the cure was not to be,
so He put his arms around him
and whispered ,
“Rich come to Me”
with tearful eyes God watched,
as you
saw him pass away.
Although you loved him dearly,
God could not let him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
hard working hands at rest,
God broke your hearts to prove
to you,
He only takes the best.
God Bless the Phelps Family
Juan, Carmela, Gabriel, Andrew and Christopher Cornejo

]]> By: Robyn Larison http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/comment-page-1/#comment-2013 Robyn Larison Thu, 16 Sep 2004 20:39:47 +0000 http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/#comment-2013 Nancy,David & Andrew I did not know your father well, only saw him briefly at the RBV races but he always had a smile,was always encouraging everyone who was running and had such a passion for running it spread to everyone. My heart is saddened for your loss. I pray for strength for all of you that will help you get through the hard times. God bless you and comfort you! Robyn Larison (taylors mom) Nancy,David & Andrew
I did not know your father well, only saw him briefly at the RBV races but he always had a smile,was always encouraging everyone who was running and had such a passion for running it spread to everyone. My heart is saddened for your loss. I pray for strength for all of you that will help you get through the hard times.
God bless you and comfort you!
Robyn Larison (taylors mom)

]]> By: Peggy http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/comment-page-1/#comment-2012 Peggy Thu, 16 Sep 2004 17:22:13 +0000 http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/#comment-2012 Nancy, Andrew, and David, We are deeply saddened by the news. Your family has meant so much to Kevin. We always felt good about him spending so much time at your house. I feel as though we've been raising our boys together. I'll never forget Rich getting into his car to look for Kevin when I couldn't find him. Nancy, I'll always remember our talks about our boys (husbands included) on our trips to the mountains. We are thinking about you so much and know that the strength of your family will get you through. Our love and prayers are with you. Dan, Peggy, Kevin and Sarah Bellock Nancy, Andrew, and David,
We are deeply saddened by the news. Your family has meant so much to Kevin. We always felt good about him spending so much time at your house. I feel as though we’ve been raising our boys together. I’ll never forget Rich getting into his car to look for Kevin when I couldn’t find him. Nancy, I’ll always remember our talks about our boys (husbands included) on our trips to the mountains. We are thinking about you so much and know that the strength of your family will get you through. Our love and prayers are with you.
Dan, Peggy, Kevin and Sarah Bellock

]]> By: Tara http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/comment-page-1/#comment-2011 Tara Thu, 16 Sep 2004 13:12:13 +0000 http://andrewphelps.com/2004/09/my-father-is-dead-at-47/#comment-2011 My favorite conversation that I had with your dad was about our business plans for the cafe. I was suprised at how supportive he was and flattered that he believed in our hopeful undertaking. I've always thought he was so cool for that. My favorite conversation that I had with your dad was about our business plans for the cafe. I was suprised at how supportive he was and flattered that he believed in our hopeful undertaking. I’ve always thought he was so cool for that.

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